"Preference will be given to applicants wishing to study financial management, water and sanitation, electrical engineering and civil engineering, or any field of study that is identified as critical or scarce skills within commerce, business and government sectors around Polokwane," said Lebea on Monday.

Interested students must provide certified copies of their Grade 12 results, proof of admission from a recognised tertiary institution, proof of their parents' or guardians' income and proof of residence.

The proof of income should include a certified copy of a payslip and/or a sworn statement/affidavit stating the occupation of the parent/guardian. The proof of residence should include a statement of rates/services account and a confirmation letter from a ward councilor.

Bursary application forms are available at the municipal offices on the 9th floor of the Civic Centre in Polokwane.

The closing date is January 31.

For more information, applicants may call Shokie Ramela or Sipho Mphakathi on 015 290 2344/211.